Device, method and tool for producing a rimmed passage in a component

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a device, a method and a tool for producing a rimmed passage in a component, said device having a die unit and a punch apparatus, wherein the die unit can be arranged on a first side of the component and the punch apparatus can be arranged opposite on a second side of the component. As claimed in the invention, the punch apparatus includes a hollow punch with a punch recess which is matched to a die section of the die unit in such a manner that when there is a relative movement between the unit and the punch apparatus, the die section enters the punch recess, wherein the punched-out material region is pushed into the punch recess.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/EP2010/005035 filed Aug. 17, 2010, which designated the United States, and claims the benefit under 35 USC §119(a)-(d) of German Application No. 10 2009 038 607.6 filed Aug. 26, 2009, the entireties of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a device, a method and a tool for producing a rimmed passage in a component.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When producing so-called rimmed passages, a component is formed by means of a combination of tensile and compressive loads, a two-part tool comprising a punch apparatus and a die unit or a so-called die plate or take-up plate with draw-through bushes being used. To this end, the component is positioned between the punch apparatus and the die unit, then punched and by deep drawing and displacing material regions of the component an elevated collar-like edge is formed about the created hole on one side of the component. The rimmed passage, which is also designated as a sheet metal rim hole or collar, can serve different purposes, for example as a threaded passage for screw connections, an inner and/or outer thread being provided on the rimmed passage for this purpose.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to improve the production of rimmed passages with regard to technical and economic aspects.

The invention proceeds initially from a device for producing a rimmed passage on a component, said device having a die unit and a punch apparatus which interact in a positionally accurate manner for producing the rimmed passage, wherein the die unit can be arranged on a first side of the component and the punch apparatus can be arranged opposite on a second side of the component, and wherein the rimmed passage is produced by punching a material region out of the component and by forming remaining material regions which connect to the punched-out material region. The component can be a flat, tubular or profile part, in particular made of sheet metal, production of the rimmed passage being carried out, in particular, on a flat section of the component.

An essential aspect of the invention is that the punch apparatus includes a hollow punch with a punch recess which is matched to a die section of the die unit in such a manner that when there is a relative movement between the die unit and the punch apparatus, the die section enters the punch recess, wherein the punched-out material region is pushed into the punch recess.

During the production of the rimmed passage, at least the hollow punch, where applicable sometimes also a further part of a holding arrangement for the component, and/or at least parts of the die unit are moved in relation to each other. This can be realized, for example, by just the hollow punch moving, by just at least parts of the die unit moving or by both the hollow punch and the die unit moving. The positionally accurate arrangement of the hollow punch and of the die unit also defines a working axis which coincides, in particular, with a longitudinal axis of the die unit or of the punch apparatus. Furthermore, during production of the passage the working axis coincides with a central axis of symmetry of the formed passage, with the component in the state held fixedly between the die unit and the punch apparatus.

Entering, therefore, does not mean that the die section has to be moved in all cases, but rather the die section remains non-moved and the hollow punch is moved in the direction towards the die unit or the die section. The hollow punch can be moved, in particular back and forth, by means of a drive, for example by means of a driving piston. In an advantageous manner, the relative movement between the die unit and the punch apparatus is effected in one stroke. As claimed in the invention, different sections of the hollow punch and of the die unit can interact during the single stroke such that the component is able to be produced completely with all part steps in this one stroke. Up to now, this could only be realized either in two or more strokes or with a comparatively expensive arrangement or an arrangement that is not fit for series production.

In addition, in an advantageous manner the material region to be punched out can be separated from the component in a very accurate manner, in particular without forming a sharp edge or without forming any burs and/or chips. Up to now, there has regularly been a sharp-edged punched edge on the edge of the hole formed in the component, which can result in injuries to persons or damage to other objects during the subsequent handling of the component. Using the device proposed, a defined, uniform but not sharp-edged edge is able to be formed in a reproducible manner on the produced rimmed passage.

An advantageous modification of the object of the invention is distinguished in that a holding-down device, which can be moved into contact with the second side of the component for the production of the rimmed passage, is present in such a manner that when the rimmed passage is being produced, the component is held between the die unit and the holding-down device. Using the holding-down device, which abuts against the component supported on the die unit, the component can be fixed securely, for example clamped, between the holding-down device and the die unit.

In a preferred manner, the holding-down device contacts the component slightly in advance of the hollow punch, which means that the component is fixed in an absolutely reliable manner during the forming process. The component, for example a sheet metal material, however, is advantageously clamped between the holding-down device and the die unit immediately or shortly before the beginning of the forming process.

After the end of the production of the rimmed passage, the holding-down device, in an advantageous manner, still remains in contact with the second side of the component so that in the case of a return stroke, which connects to the operating stroke, for example by moving the hollow punch away from the component, the component remains on the die unit until the hollow punch is pulled out of the component completely. This means that, in an advantageous manner, the production device as claimed in the invention is able to be used on a robot, in particular as no self-balancing process or the like is necessary.

In addition, it is proposed that the punch apparatus and the die unit are developed in such a manner that the punching out and forming of material regions is possible in a single stage. This makes it possible to simplify the complete operation of producing the rimmed passage. Consequently, two different diameters which have been provided by way of the proposed die unit become active in one movement stroke.

Up to now it has been disadvantageous that in the case of arrangements for producing sheet metal passages that are fit for practical operation, a two-stage method has been necessary. In a first stage, the component is prepunched and the relevant section of the component is opened out, which is followed by a second stage in which the sheet metal passage is finally formed.

This leads to longer cycle times. In addition, the two-stage operation is comparatively complicated as far as automatic control is concerned.

In particular, as claimed in the invention, a rotating movement component of an element to be moved or of the punch apparatus is able to be dispensed with during production of the rimmed passage. Up to now, attempts have been made, for example, to simplify or to shorten production of the rimmed passage by means of a rotating mandrel. In this case, however, it is particularly disadvantageous that the rotating mandrel, which presses onto a surface of a component and softens the component surface point by point under pressure and heat and subsequently the material is drawn downward, generates a very sharp-edged interruption or edge formation on the passage.

Furthermore, it is advantageous as claimed in the invention that the punch apparatus and the die unit are developed in such a manner that a forming of the component is completed during the operation producing the rimmed passage without a movement direction of a moved element of the punch apparatus and/or of the die unit, starting during the operation for producing the rimmed passage, being reversed. Consequently, the production operation can be carried out more quickly and in a technically advantageous manner. In particular, a movement of the hollow punch and/or of the die section can be carried out without any interruptions or continuously from start to finish in one operating step. This means that higher cycle frequencies are able to be achieved.

In an advantageous manner, the hollow punch is accommodated so as to be movable within the holding-down device. Thus, in all phases of the production operation or during the movement of the hollow punch, the component is able to be secured by means of the holding-down device. Further movement of the device or of the component can be carried out directly after the holding-down device has been lifted off the component. The movement of the hollow punch and the holding-down device can be adapted in an optimum manner to the desired process sequence independently of each other. This is effected, in particular, by means of a computer, e.g. a higher-ranking control unit, e.g. a control or regulating device for regulating the production device.

The hollow punch of the punch apparatus is realized in advance of or behind the holding-down device. This means that the process sequence is able to be developed in a variable manner. When producing the rimmed passage, therefore, the hollow punch is able to contact the component before or after the holding-down device contacts the component.

It is also advantageous that the die section includes a raised die mandrel which is realized for engaging in the punch recess with accuracy of fit. In particular, the outer form and/or outer dimension of the die mandrel are realized such that the die mandrel is able to enter the punch recess with a desired clearance, for example with a comparatively snug fit. The clearance between an outer wall of the die mandrel and an inner wall of the hollow punch can be predetermined in a precise manner by means of the design of the hollow punch or of the die mandrel. The clearance can be selected differently, for example for different materials. This means that for all relevant component thicknesses and component materials, the material region to be punched out can be punched out of or sheared off from the component in a clean and bur-free manner, as a result of which sharp-edged edges, material breaking-off or burs are ruled out. In addition, the component is able to be prepunched or perforated in a reliable and reproducible manner. In particular, the edge projecting on the first side of the component can be realized by way of component sections which are at a right angle to each other when viewed in section.

The depth of insertion of the die mandrel has to be at least large enough so that, at the same time, in one stroke, the component is punched through and, in addition, the material to be deformed is formed in a corresponding manner up until the passage is produced, which makes a minimum depth of insertion of the die mandrel in the punch recess necessary.

It is further of advantage that the die unit has a bearing section for supporting the first side of the component when the rimmed passage is being produced. This means that the die unit can serve as a support for the component being supported thereon. It is particularly advantageous when the bearing section contacts, in a supporting manner, sections of the component which are opposite the sections on the component which come into contact with the holding-down device. In this way, the component is able to be held in a securely fixed or clamped manner in its operating position when the rimmed passage is being produced.

The bearing section is developed such that it contacts the first side of the component in a flat manner in particular by way of a ring-shaped surface. In a corresponding manner, the holding-down device can be developed such that the holding-down device contacts the second side of the component also by way of a ring-shaped surface, the ring-shaped contact surfaces on the first and the second side of the component being approximately of identical size. The contact surfaces on the component, as a rule, are even or flat as particularly plate-shaped components are formed such that the counter contact surface of the holding-down device and of the bearing section are developed so as to be flat or even for advantageous surface contact with the contact surfaces on the component.

In addition, it is of advantage that a die cavity is realized between the bearing section and the die mandrel. The form and dimension of the die cavity can be predetermined in a defined manner, in particular can be realized in a recessed manner in relation to the bearing section or to one end of the die mandrel, the end being directed towards the punch apparatus. The die cavity provides a free space into which material of the component, which is formed during production of the rimmed passage, is able to deflect or into which the material to be formed is deep-drawn or pressed-in during production of the rimmed passage.

In addition, it is advantageous that the die cavity is present between the bearing section and the die section in such a manner that during production of the rimmed passage an end of the hollow punch, directed towards the die unit, engages in the annular gap. Thus, the material that is present adjacent to the punched-out material region is able to be formed by means of the interaction between at least the bearing surface, the die cavity and the hollow punch such that the desired rimmed passage is formed.

Along with providing a space for material to be formed, the die cavity also makes it possible, consequently, for the end of the hollow punch or, for example, a sleeve-like wall section of the hollow punch that defines the punch recess to the outside, to be able to enter the die cavity when there is a relative movement between the hollow punch and the die unit. The die cavity, therefore, has to be matched such that there is space therein for the projecting edge of the collar to be formed and for the entering part of the hollow punch. Consequently, by means of the volume provided and/or the form of the die cavity, the height or form of the projecting edge of the collar is also able to be determined if there is an identical amount of material to be formed to start with. In the case where the die cavity has a smaller volume, that is to say, for example, in the case where there is a narrower gap between the die mandrel and a wall of the die cavity, the wall lying radially with respect to the die mandrel and being further outside with respect to the operating axis, the formed material is pressed deeper or further into the die cavity, the collar projecting as a result higher on the first side of the component. It behaves in a reverse manner in the case where the die cavity has a larger volume. The volume of the die cavity provided for forming is also influenced by the size or form of the front part of the hollow punch.

The die cavity is realized in particular in the shape of an annular slot and concentrically with respect to the operating axis. The die cavity is defined radially inward, with reference to the operating axis, by a wall of the die mandrel and radially outward by a section of the die unit which connects to the bearing surface and extends in the direction away from the punch apparatus. The radial inner and outer wall of the die cavity are in particular parallel to each other, in particular in the manner of an annular strip. The depth of the die cavity in the direction of the operating axis can be different depending on the application, for example it can be so large that the formed material region remains contact-free with respect to sections of the die in this direction.

The transition from the bearing section to the connecting die cavity can be effected, in particular, by way of a predefinable radius in order to be able to form the projecting edge of the rimmed passage without tearing into material at the transition between the flat section and the edge.

It is further proposed that the die mandrel is developed to provide a bearing surface for the first side of the component, the bearing surface lying at least approximately in a plane with a support surface of the bearing section. This means that the component is further supported in a central region of the passage to be formed at least before the actual punching out process. The bearing surface is formed, in particular, such that it can abut in a flat manner against the first component side of the component. The surface of the first side of the component supported by the bearing surface is associated with the material region subsequently punched out or with the so-called punching or cutting.

The die unit as claimed in the invention can be adapted as a punching die with a core, the die mandrel forming the core, the bearing section being present further outside with a die cavity in between. Using the hollow punch, which is matched in a defined manner to the punching die, two different die diameters are able to become active in one operating stroke. A first active or inner diameter is formed by way of the edge of the die mandrel or the bearing surface thereof. A second active or outer diameter is fixed by the edge of the bearing section, the edge lying radially inside with respect to the operating axis. The two diameters are used by the hollow punch and the die unit being moved relative to each other in one stroke or parts therefrom engaging in each other.

According to an advantageous variant as claimed in the invention, the die cavity has a shoulder which, during the production of the rimmed passage, serves as a stop for a material of the component which, during the production of the rimmed passage, is formed right into the die cavity. In this way, in particular, it is possible to form a defined end of the passage or an end face of the edge protruding towards the first side of the component, the end face being axial with respect to the operating axis. The deformed Material is defined by the stop, which increases process quality. As a result, the passage is more geometrically precise as the drawing depth of the forming operation is defined or restricted.

The die cavity can additionally be developed without a shoulder, in particular without an anvil component. In principle, however, it is possible for the shoulder to be set up by the form of the die cavity such that a shoulder is present without an anvil component.

In an advantageous manner, the shoulder of the die cavity is formed by an interchangeable component which can be inserted into the die unit. In this way, the interchangeable component, for example a sleeve-shaped insertion part or anvil component, can be inserted or left out in an optional manner. In addition, a damaged or worn anvil component is easily able to be replaced. In addition, different stops can be realized in the case of one die unit by different anvil components being inserted in each case. A suitable anvil part can also be inserted into or left out of the die cavity in an optional manner.

It is further proposed that the die cavity is provided with connection means for ventilating and/or aerating the die cavity. In this way, a build-up of contamination can be prevented or troublesome substances in the region of the die unit can be blown away by means of compressed air or sucked off by means of negative pressure. The sucking off or blowing in, for example of air, can be realized by means of at least one line which branches off to the side below the die cavity.

In an advantageous modification of the production device, the punch apparatus is designed in such a manner that the punched-out material region can be expelled towards the free end of the punch apparatus. This means that even in cases where expelling the punching forward is desired, the arrangement as claimed in the invention is able to be used.

In an advantageous manner, the contours of the punch apparatus and/or of the die unit can deviate from a cylindrical form. The functionality of the device as claimed in the invention is consequently not restricted to a substantially cylindrical outer or inner contour of the punch apparatus and/or of the die unit.

In addition, there is proposed a method for producing a rimmed passage in a component, wherein a die unit and a punch apparatus interact in a positionally accurate manner for the production of the rimmed passage and the die unit is arranged on a first side of a component and the punch apparatus is arranged opposite on a second side of the component, and the rimmed passage is produced by punching a material region out of the component and by forming remaining material regions which connect to the punched-out material region. As claimed in the invention, the punched-out material region is discharged by means of the punch apparatus. The punched-out material region or the so-called punching can be discharged in an advantageous manner by means of that side of the two-part tool which is particularly suitable for this purpose, since, in particular, the punch apparatus is connected, as a rule, to a drive and/or other supply units. The punch apparatus or a punch element is usually driven so as to be movable, which makes it comparatively simple to discharge the punching or to store it temporarily in this region of the tool. For the connecting of the punch apparatus is already realized by way of at least one corresponding connecting component, on which or integrated in which the discharging of the punching is able to be set up without any problem. In the simplest case, for example, just one outlet line can be provided to convey away the punchings that accumulate one after the other when a plurality of passages are produced one after the other in the cycle. The carrier of the punchings can be conveyed into a store or a reservoir, for example according to the principle of “one pushes the next” and can be stored there temporarily. The store can then be emptied in a phase of the production method that is less critical to the cycle time or from time to time. As an alternative, in place of the store, it is possible to transport the punchings out in, a continuous manner or each punching individually by means of an outlet line. It is also possible to suck out the punching or expel it forward by means of the punch.

In a preferred manner, when there is a relative movement between the die unit and the punch apparatus, the punched-out material region is pushed into a punch recess in a hollow punch of the punch apparatus. With regard to the region in which the tool acts on the component and which is particularly sensitive with reference to function and space required, the discharging of the punching is able to be integrated in an advantageous manner in this way. The hollow punch is particularly suitable for this purpose as the punching is pushed into its punch recess and to guide the punching further and transport it out from there requires the slightest additional measures. The punch recess can be extended for this purpose, for example, or the outlet line can be moved close to the punch recess and connected thereto.

The invention additionally relates to a tool for producing a rimmed passage, the tool having a device which is realized as claimed in one of the abovementioned variants. The advantages already discussed above for a corresponding two-part tool for producing the rimmed passage can be achieved in this way. In particular, the tool can be fit to be used in robot technology or can be accommodated on a robot. In particular, the tool is connection compatible with regard to proven connection standards, for example for known clinching, plate joining or punching tools. In this way, for example, systems existing as punch holders and strippers can be used, for example, for clinching technology. For example, existing clinching dies can be used as basic die bodies. This means that the variety of variants is able to be reduced and the flexibility of the device as claimed in the invention increased. The punch or the hollow punch can be provided on the basis of modified catalogue or standard products. In particular, the tool measurements that are relevant to the process are able to be selected according to DIN.

The drive of the movable parts of the punch apparatus or of the hollow punch can be realized by known drive arrangements for generically related systems, for example in a hydro-pneumatic, pneumatic or electric manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further advantages and features of the invention are explained below by way of the exemplary embodiments which are represented schematically in the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a tool as claimed in the invention for producing a rimmed passage, with a component positioned in between;

FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal section of the arrangement according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a cutout according to FIG. 2 in the region of the component to be worked shortly before the rimmed passage is produced,

FIG. 4 shows the arrangement according to FIG. 3 at the end of the production operation and

FIG. 5 shows an alternative variant of a tool as claimed in the invention according to the representation from FIGS. 3 and 4, but after a rimmed passage has been produced.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Identical references from the other figures have been used for corresponding components of the alternative exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a tool 1 as Claimed in the invention for producing a rimmed passage, the tool having a component 2 to be worked which is indicated here in a reduced size as disk-shaped or flat sheet metal material.

The tool 1 includes a punch apparatus 3 and a clamp-side die unit 4, the component 2 being positioned in a defined position between the punch apparatus and die unit. The punch apparatus 3, which is formed with an approximately cylindrical outer form, includes a front cylindrical section with a hollow punch 7 which is guided in a holding-down device 8 (see FIGS. 2 to 5) and a connecting cylindrical section 3 a with a greater outer diameter, to which a punchings storage unit 5 with an punchings outlet line is connected. The punchings storage unit 5 can be connected to further regions of the tool 1 (not shown). The die unit 4 can also be accommodated on a counter section by means of a connecting section 6.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic sectional representation of the inner design of the tool 1 as claimed in the invention, with the hollow punch 7 which is cylindrical on the outside and is guided in the punch apparatus 3 so as to be movable in relation to the die unit 4 according to the double arrow P1. A holding-down device 8 of the punch apparatus 3 serves, in particular, for the purpose of holding the component 2, which is inserted between the punch apparatus 3 and the die unit 4, in a fixed position by way of the end face contact section 8 a of the holding-down device and pressing it against the die unit 4. In this case, the holding-down device 8 is mounted in a spring-loaded manner by means of resilient means, 9 (not shown in any more detail). The hollow punch 7 is surrounded in a protecting manner by the holding-down device 8, a bore 8 b being present in the holding-down device 8 for accommodating the hollow punch 7 in a central manner. The hollow punch 7 merges in the direction of the die unit 4 by way of a transition 7 a into a region which has a smaller outer diameter d₃ and which engages in the component 2 or punches through the component during the forming process.

The hollow punch 7 is provided inside with a punch recess which is realized as the punch bore 10, the punch bore 10 being realized centrally in the hollow punch 7 over the entire length thereof. On the rear end of the hollow punch 7 which is directed towards the punchings storage unit 5, the punch bore 10 opens out into a connecting line 11, by means of which a material region punched out of the component 2 or a punching 18 (see FIG. 5) is able to be conducted away into a storage area 12. The storage area 12 or the punchings reservoir is independent of the rotational position because it is realized in a continuously spacious manner, and can be opened and closed again in an external manner for example by a robot movement by means of a displaceable outer collar 5 a.

For the production of the rimmed passage, the component 2 rests by way of a first side of the component or by way of the underside thereof on a bearing region 13, which is realized in a ring-shaped and even manner and is provided on the front face of the die unit 4. For fixing the position of the component 2, the contact section 8 a presses against the component 2 or against the second side of the component opposite the bearing region 13. For this purpose, the holding-down device is moved in the direction of the component 2 slightly in advance of the hollow punch 7. This is shown in FIG. 3, according to which the component 2 is clamped in a fixed position between the punch apparatus 3 or the holding-down device 8 and the die unit 4.

The hollow punch 7, in a driven manner, then contacts the component 2 and begins to press or to punch. In this case, a stress field is formed in the component 2 such as, for example, in the case of known punching or cutting operations, such that after the tip of the hollow punch 7 has been inserted in the component 2 to a depth of approximately a third to half of the material thickness of the component, the punching 18 is removed out of the component 2. In an advantageous manner, there is virtually no distortion of the component at the start of the process as a clean punching operation is accomplished first of all. A punching impact once the component has been punched through is damped in an additional manner by the continuing production process with the deep-drawing or displacing of material of the component 2 into the rimmed passage 19 to be produced (FIG. 5).

The rimmed passage 19 is completed over the entire movement of the hollow punch 7 in the direction of the die unit 4. According to FIG. 5, the rimmed passage 19 produced in the component 2 shows a projecting edge on the underside 2 a of the component 2. The edge or dome formed in this manner is able to be formed further by way of a modification, where applicable, to form a threaded bolt where the thread is applied on the outside. In this way, a threaded bolt which is otherwise to be welded on or is pressed in can be replaced in an advantageous manner, which is clearly more cost-intensive than the proposed solution with a thread inserted on the projecting edge.

After the forming process, the hollow punch 7 is moved back again away from the die unit into a starting position (FIG. 5) which corresponds to the position directly before the forming of the component 2 according to FIG. 3. The punching 18, which is pushed into the punch bore 10 during the production of the rimmed passage, is held therein in a lightly clamped manner and is consequently removed from the die unit 4 with the hollow punch 7. If several punchings (not shown) are already present in the punch bore 10 as a result of preceding punching operations, these are, together, pushed further by the displacement of the punching 18 currently being punched out.

An elongated protruding die mandrel 14 with a cylindrical outer form is realized centrally or in the middle of the die unit 4, with reference to an operating or joining axis S in the longitudinal direction of the punch apparatus 3 and of the die unit 4, the die mandrel having on its end-face end that faces the punch apparatus 3 an even bearing surface 14 a for the first component side of the component 2. The bearing surface 14 a also supports the component 2 on its underside, the bearing surface 14 a lying at least almost in the plane formed by the bearing region 13.

The die mandrel 14 is present in a positionally fixed manner in the die unit 4 and with its outer diameter d₁ is only minimally or slightly smaller than the inner diameter d₂ in the front part of the punch bore 10. The relative movement between the hollow punch 7 and the die unit 4 is possible as claimed in the invention in a single stage or in one stroke and enables the advantageous forming of a rimmed passage, in particular without sharp edges or bur on the component 2 in the region of a hole 2 b that is punched-out at the time.

In a particularly advantageous manner, the proposed die unit 4 has a simple design, comparatively little filigree and is consequently very sturdy.

In an advantageous manner, the outer diameter d₃ of the hollow punch 7 is smaller in its front region by double the wall thickness D of the formed projecting edge of the rimmed passage than an inner diameter d₄ of a die cavity 15. The die cavity 15, in this case, is present in an advantageous manner as a uniform annular gap between the outer region of the die unit 4 and the die mandrel 14.

The die cavity 15 is realized by means of at least one, in particular three ventilation and/or aeration line(s) 16, which are distributed over the circumference of the die unit 4, for avoiding or removing contamination on the tool 1.

FIG. 5 shows a variant of the die unit 4 as claimed in the invention, which, as the single difference from the arrangement according to FIGS. 3 and 4, has an anvil 20 which is inserted in the die cavity 15 and provides a shoulder 21 in the die cavity 15. A ring-shaped stop surface 20 a for the end-face end of the passage 19 is provided by way of the shoulder 21. This means that a defined edge of the passage 19 is defined on the underside of the component 2.

In principle, it is also possible to use a so-called switchable die unit with a split structure in place of the rigid or single-part die unit 4. The advantage of this would be that the two processes of prepunching and forming, which, as claimed in the invention, are able to run at the same time and without a switching operation, are totally separate from each other and in this way the final force to be applied is less. This would make a somewhat more expensive or less sturdy structure necessary. In addition, the process separation would still only be “quasi” single-stage as a comparatively short return movement of a moved element is required in the process and consequently a controlled drive, in particular an electric drive, is necessary.

LIST OF REFERENCES

-   -   1 Tool     -   2 Component     -   2 a Underside     -   2 b Hole     -   3 Punch apparatus     -   3 a Section     -   4 Die unit     -   5 Punchings storage unit     -   5 a Collar     -   6 Connecting section     -   7 Hollow punch     -   7 a Shoulder     -   8 Holding-down device     -   8 a Contact section     -   8 b Bore     -   9 Contact section     -   10 Punch bore     -   11 Connecting line     -   12 Storage area     -   13 Bearing region     -   14 Die mandrel     -   14 a Bearing surface     -   15 Die cavity     -   16 Ventilation/aeration line     -   17 Material region     -   18 Punching     -   19 Rimmed passage     -   20 Anvil     -   20 a Stop surface     -   21 Shoulder 

1. A device for producing a rimmed passage in a component comprising a die unit and a punch apparatus which interact in a positionally accurate manner for producing the rimmed passage, wherein the die unit can be arranged on a first side of the component and the punch apparatus can be arranged on an opposite; second side of the component, and wherein the rimmed passage is produced by punching a material region out of the component and by forming remaining material regions which connect to the punched-out material region, the punch apparatus further comprising a hollow punch with a punch recess which is matched to a die section of the die unit in such a manner that when there is a relative movement between the die unit and the punch apparatus, the die section enters the punch recess, whereby the punched-out material region is pushed into the punch recess.
 2. The device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a holding-down device, which can be moved into contact with the second side of the component for the production of the rimmed passage, present in such a manner that when the rimmed passage is being produced, the component is held between the die unit and the holding-down device.
 3. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the punch apparatus and the die unit allow for the punching out and forming of material regions of the component to be performed in a single stage.
 4. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the punch apparatus and the die unit allow for the producing of a rimmed passage to be completed without having to reverse a movement direction of a moved element of at least one of the punch apparatus and of the die unit, starting during the operation for producing the rimmed passage.
 5. The device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the hollow punch is accommodated so as to be movable within the holding-down device.
 6. The device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the hollow punch of the punch apparatus is positioned in advance of or behind the holding-down device.
 7. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the die section includes a raised die mandrel, the outer form of which engages in the punch recess with accuracy of fit.
 8. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the die unit has a bearing section for supporting the first side of the component when the rimmed passage is being produced.
 9. The device as claimed in claim 8, wherein a die cavity is defined between the bearing section and the die section.
 10. The device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the die cavity is present between the bearing section and the die section in such a manner that when the rimmed passage is being produced, parts of the hollow punch engage in the die cavity.
 11. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the die mandrel provides a bearing surface for the first side of the component, said bearing surface lying at least approximately in a plane with a support surface of the bearing section.
 12. The device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the die cavity has a shoulder which, during the production of the rimmed passage, serves as a stop for a material of the component which, during the production of the rimmed passage, is formed right into the die cavity.
 13. The device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the die cavity is developed without a shoulder.
 14. The device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the shoulder of the die cavity is formed by an interchangeable component which can be inserted into the die unit.
 15. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the die Cavity is provided with a connection mechanism for at least one of ventilating and aerating the die cavity.
 16. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the punch apparatus allows for the punched-out material region to be expelled towards the free end of the punch apparatus.
 17. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the contours of at least one of the punch apparatus and of the die unit deviate from a cylindrical form.
 18. A method for producing a rimmed passage in a component, wherein a die unit and a punch apparatus interact in a positionally accurate manner for the production of the rimmed passage and the die unit is arranged on a first side of a component and the punch apparatus is arranged on an opposite, second side of the component, and the rimmed passage is produced by punching a material region out of the component and by forming remaining material regions which connect to the punched-out material region, wherein the punched-out material region is discharged by means of the punch apparatus.
 19. The method as claimed in claim 18, wherein when there is a relative movement between the die unit and the punch apparatus, the punched-out material region is pushed into a punch recess in a hollow punch of the punch apparatus.
 20. A tool for producing a rimmed passage, said tool comprising a device as claimed in claim
 1. 